Letters to the Editor for Jan. 3, 2013

Friday

Jan 3, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Star-Banner readers share their views on Silver Springs, Brad Rogers' column, signs, welfare, the Be a Santa to a Senior program, fireworks and more.

Let us swimSilver Springs. Now that we own it, let's swim in it.All the top springs in Florida allow swimming. Why not the largest? Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen, Rainbow and Salt springs all have designated swim areas.Silver Springs previously had a roped-off swim area with a beach and a floating deck. Let's bring it back like it once was. It will attract more people than any bottom rung baseball team ever will and at a lower cost to taxpayers.Ted SchoreOcala

Funding 'We the People'This references Brad Rogers' excellent column on “We The People” (Dec. 29), which I just read after being out of town.The otherwise excellent article had two mistakes (or old information). The U.S. Department of Education used to fund this program as stated but discontinued this funding two years ago. This makes the “inexplicable reason” that more schools do not offer this program explainable.The program is very costly. Classroom materials cost $560 per class. The Kiwanis Club of Ocala helped fund four classes in the prior year, but only one asked for funding for the fall term in 2013. We understand there may be more classes at another school this spring.N.C. SizemoreVice PresidentKiwanis Club of OcalaOcala

Alphabet soupGee, is Marion County making sure that we all know our alphabet or what? I am referring to the signs that I see on Southwest 60th Avenue and State Road 200 in Ocala.Months ago these signs went up to remind us to buckle up (it's the law). Then they went dark. Now for a number of weeks they are lighted up again with just the alphabet — half of it anyway. What's up with that?What a waste of money. Shame. Just don't see the point. Anyone?Elizabeth WilsonOcala

Misspent taxpayer dollarsI couldn't help but get my feathers up when I read that just one judge, Mary Scriven, decided against drug testing those receiving tax assistance in the form of welfare. Her justification was that it violated the Fourth Amendment, citing what applies to one group of people applies to all.Well, my opinion is that if you earn your own money you can spend it any way you like, even if it is on drugs. But if the taxpayers of Florida are giving you money as assistance to help feed you and your children, then welfare recipients should be grateful and straight and not waste our Florida taxpayer generosity. The welfare recipients should have to sign a contract that states, “Some restrictions apply”... period!Patricia FrancisOcala

Santas for seniorsOn behalf of the staff at Home Instead Senior Care, I would like to thank everyone who helped with this year's very successful Be a Santa to a Senior program.With support from The Stone Creek Garden Club, Marion County Legal Support Association, Rasmussen College, First Congregational Church, Med Labs and the Central Florida Alliance Labs, we were able to collect more than 400 gifts for local seniors who otherwise might have been overlooked this holiday season.We also would like to thank the many Marion County residents who supported our program by purchasing gifts for area seniors — many of whom struggle to make ends meet.Thanks to all those who helped us brighten the holidays for our local seniors and truly make a difference in our community.Jim SamuelsonHome Instead Senior CareOcala

Sour noteI was going to watch the Rose Bowl game on TV, but after hearing the rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” I saw enough.I am a Korean War vet, U.S. Navy, and it was disgusting and an insult to our troops. I am sure you won't print this, as nobody gives a damn anymore, but at least you know how I feel. No wonder this country is going to hell.William H. WrightSilver Springs

Bombarded by neighborsFirst of all, let me say to those recent families who moved into our northeast Countryside Estates neighborhoods that you did a really good job to those five families who took the one hour-plus time to rock our homes with your fireworks bombardment in welcoming in the New Year. Bet they could be heard all the way to surrounding counties.I realize that to small children, this was a special treat (plus those older children in this group). But did you even consider your other neighbors when doing so? Our community includes not only recent families, but long-established homeowners who have spent close to 20 years in their homes.Now comes the grief part. Elderly residents are dealing with life-threatening health issues every day where a good night's rest is essential. We have combat veterans as residents, as well as a 98-year-old widow, whose World War II trauma was resurrected with your bombardment. While a young woman and mother, her home country was occupied by Nazi combatants, their home destroyed by bombs, a nephew getting shot while riding his bicycle, her baby boy's eardrums ruptured by bombs.Those super-loud booms from your display caused all sorts of repercussions in people, as well as traumatized family pets who shivered all night long.Added to all this, I'd like to know if there's a legal aspect with the noise abatement law that's enforceable under these conditions. Is there any protection in this situation before the neighbors get all set for the Fourth of July fireworks?Garnet TaylorOcala